Answer: This answer might surprise you! Everyone assumes fresh is best. When actually, the answer depends on how “fresh” the veggies are. Vitamin, antioxidant, and phytochemical, content is the highest when a vegetable has just been picked. So, if you are eating a “just picked from your neighbor’s garden” tomato, then, yes, fresh is best. But, if you are buying the tomato from the grocery store and it was originally picked in California six days ago, then shipped, and has been sitting in the grocery store waiting to be purchased by someone, then canned or frozen would be better. The reason is because canning and freezing takes place immediately after picking. So, the nutrients are preserved right away, and will still be there when you open the can or bag. I know, there’s nothing like eating a homegrown tomato, but when it’s the dead of winter, and you must settle for canned, at least you don’t have to settle on nutrition!